Top 10 Architecture Firms in Nova Scotia

Rated top 10 architecture firm RHAD Architects is a collaborative, innovative studio specializing in residential design and sustainable practices. Founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2010, RHAD has received numerous accolades for its dedication to quality and environmental consideration. The firm emphasizes client communication at all project stages, with an entire team focused more...

Rated top 10 architecture firm RHAD Architects is a collaborative, innovative studio specializing in residential design and sustainable practices. Founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2010, RHAD has received numerous accolades for its dedication to quality and environmental consideration. The firm emphasizes client communication at all project stages, with an entire team focused on design details, building quality, and systems efficiency every step of the way. Clients rave about RHAD’s more than capable team’s imaginative design solutions like for the original cohousing project in Atlantic Canada and their ability to consider all aspects of the build, including universal design and accessibility. RHAD’s design work prioritizes traditional residential architecture, sustainability, and all aspects of a building’s life cycle, including how it meets the needs of its occupants, energy performance, and building envelope strategies in an aesthetically pleasing way. RHAD makes the top 10 list because the quality of work, innovation in project approach, and engaging clients and partners in the design and build processes are remarkable.

Omar Gandhi Architects regularly ranks among the top 10 in the architectural studio for its innovative design, detail-oriented processes, and responsiveness to harsh geographic and climatic conditions. The firm, founded by Omar Gandhi in 2010, built its reputation through well-received designs like the Rabbit Snare Gorge and the renovation of Peggy’s Cove. Reviews of Omar Gandhi more...

Omar Gandhi Architects regularly ranks among the top 10 in the architectural studio for its innovative design, detail-oriented processes, and responsiveness to harsh geographic and climatic conditions. The firm, founded by Omar Gandhi in 2010, built its reputation through well-received designs like the Rabbit Snare Gorge and the renovation of Peggy’s Cove. Reviews of Omar Gandhi Architects note the studio’s “world-class talent” and “intuitive, responsive” designs. Such comments highlight the firm’s designs’ harmony with the environment while remaining beautiful and practical. Its reception and project diversity make it a highly sought-after architect boutique.

Nicholas Fudge Architects is ranked among the top 10 architectural firms because of its excellent focus on custom solutions, dedication to customer satisfaction, and aptitude for blending modern design with the surrounding environment. Clients commend Nicholas’ ability to listen, contribute to the conversation, and produce homes that reflect each family's story. Cooperative and more...

Nicholas Fudge Architects is ranked among the top 10 architectural firms because of its excellent focus on custom solutions, dedication to customer satisfaction, and aptitude for blending modern design with the surrounding environment. Clients commend Nicholas’ ability to listen, contribute to the conversation, and produce homes that reflect each family's story. Cooperative and participatory remarks create a tensionless design process and help to assure an excellent outcome. The company's most especially premium is its attention to clear communication and detailed feedback, resulting in an end product that exceeds expectations, while its commitment to modern form and function creates space that is absolutely sustainable and inspiring.

MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Ltd. earns recognition as a top architect as they consistently deliver innovative designs and deep-rooted architectural excellence. For over 30 years, the firm has been under the direction of partners Brian MacKay-Lyons, Talbot Sweetapple, and Melanie Hayne. Their practice specializes in residential, cultural, and academic architecture. Their w more...

MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Ltd. earns recognition as a top architect as they consistently deliver innovative designs and deep-rooted architectural excellence. For over 30 years, the firm has been under the direction of partners Brian MacKay-Lyons, Talbot Sweetapple, and Melanie Hayne. Their practice specializes in residential, cultural, and academic architecture. Their work is marked by an award-winning, forward-thinking design philosophy, which has brought them over 150 accolades, including six AIA Awards, four Architectural Record Houses Awards, and the 2015 gold medal from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Notably, MacKay-Lyons embodies nature through architecture, intelligently shaping spaces to respond to natural settings. We see that in both the positive and critical feedback received. According to a comment from a past client, one noted that the firm’s structures provide “staggering use of spaces between/through buildings.” While another user described the firm’s designs as “repetitious rectangles and slab siding,” labeling them as unimaginative. The top reviewer described their work as “astounding,” indicating a capacity to engage and surprise users actively. Representing a complex architectural practice influenced by nature, both critiques summarize the firm and MacKay-Lyons' sense of place and community.

Solterre Design is one of the top ten green architecture firms because of the innovative design, experience, and customer satisfaction. The company's design philosophy focuses on sustainable materials, cutting-edge design, and energy-efficient systems, which have repeatedly won praise from clients. Solterre Design also has a reputation for developing functional, efficient, and b more...

Solterre Design is one of the top ten green architecture firms because of the innovative design, experience, and customer satisfaction. The company's design philosophy focuses on sustainable materials, cutting-edge design, and energy-efficient systems, which have repeatedly won praise from clients. Solterre Design also has a reputation for developing functional, efficient, and beautiful spaces that exceed the client's expectations. This reflects the company's commitment to quality and the environment. As a result, Solterre Design has established itself as a leader in energy-efficient and eco-friendly buildings, making it one of the first choices for clients looking for architectural integrity and environmental responsibility.

DSRA Architecture Inc. stands out in the top ten list due to its six decades of expertise, commitment to design excellence, and high-quality services. The multidisciplinary firm adapts to evolving building designs and client needs while valuing diversity and providing professional growth opportunities. The firm has received praise for its outstanding vision, inclusive and innova more...

DSRA Architecture Inc. stands out in the top ten list due to its six decades of expertise, commitment to design excellence, and high-quality services. The multidisciplinary firm adapts to evolving building designs and client needs while valuing diversity and providing professional growth opportunities. The firm has received praise for its outstanding vision, inclusive and innovation-driven culture, and a supportive workplace. DSRA Architecture Inc.'s approach, which includes listening to clients and co-creating with them, enables the firm to continuously produce groundbreaking designs that lead to client satisfaction and industry leadership.

FBM was founded in 1912 and has been a leading architectural firm for over 100 years. FBM's mission is to create buildings that improve the quality of lives within the community they are serving. This is what we call "people-driven design." Our portfolio includes a variety of building types and projects. However, we share common values. We design places that make more...

FBM was founded in 1912 and has been a leading architectural firm for over 100 years. FBM's mission is to create buildings that improve the quality of lives within the community they are serving. This is what we call "people-driven design." Our portfolio includes a variety of building types and projects. However, we share common values. We design places that make people feel good. Details matter. And our designs are always about creating communities. Landscape is what inspires us deeply. We use it to leverage assets like light, context and history. Everyday activities and how they are brought into our buildings give dignity and joy. And we enhance the community in which work. While we are proud of what we have accomplished, the best part about our work is how form, structure and light can be used to build meaningful, delightful connections between people, places, and buildings. FBM has a rich history that is as strong as Halifax's character. We look forward to the next 100 years.

Abbott Brown was founded in 2013. Jane Abbott and Alec Brown, the partners, worked in Vancouver and London before returning to Nova Scotia. Our work reflects the intersection of modern design thinking with an understanding of local maritime conditions and contexts. We believe that architecture can have a greater impact and be more rich than what it is often. Our goal is to find more...

Abbott Brown was founded in 2013. Jane Abbott and Alec Brown, the partners, worked in Vancouver and London before returning to Nova Scotia. Our work reflects the intersection of modern design thinking with an understanding of local maritime conditions and contexts. We believe that architecture can have a greater impact and be more rich than what it is often. Our goal is to find new ways to enhance a situation, be crystal clear about the design idea and distill complex issues to powerful elemental moves that bring buildings to life. Our clients include builders, artists, artisans, and engineers. We collaborate with them. Abbott Brown is an architecture studio based in Mi'kma'ki, Nova Scotia. It has a strong reputation for its bold and impactful designs. The completed works range from small residential projects to large-scale public commissions. Good design is good for people and spaces. Our goal is to create spaces that inspire, are thoughtfully considered and promote health. We are open-minded, flexible, and willing to listen. Multiple design awards have been given to projects completed by our office.

Architecture49 is Canada's leader in integrated design and delivery for some of Canada’s most significant buildings and settings. Six key expertise areas are our focus: Transportation, Healthcare, Security and Defence and Science and Technology. We have a strong base of community and regional work that we can add to our national sector. The Commercial Practice is skilled in more...

Architecture49 is Canada's leader in integrated design and delivery for some of Canada’s most significant buildings and settings. Six key expertise areas are our focus: Transportation, Healthcare, Security and Defence and Science and Technology. We have a strong base of community and regional work that we can add to our national sector. The Commercial Practice is skilled in planning, designing and delivering professional buildings. This includes single-tenant buildings as well as skyscraper buildings. These towers are a symbol of progress and economic prosperity. In cities like New York, they dominate the skyline, becoming landmarks that define the identity of the communities. This integrated approach to design ensures that the buildings meet the requirements of both the client and project. Through this approach, a new generation of high-performance commercial buildings can be achieved that offer owners and tenants functional, flexible and technologically-advanced working environments. High-performance buildings offer higher energy efficiency and better environmental performance, which lowers maintenance and operational costs. This also contributes to worker satisfaction and productivity.

The Nova Scotia Association of Architects is a self-governing association of professionals, established in 1932 and mandating by The Architects Act of Nova Scotia to govern the practice of architecture within the province. The NSAA protects the public and advances the profession of architecture. The NSAA collaborates with other stakeholders and its members to set high professio more...

The Nova Scotia Association of Architects is a self-governing association of professionals, established in 1932 and mandating by The Architects Act of Nova Scotia to govern the practice of architecture within the province. The NSAA protects the public and advances the profession of architecture. The NSAA collaborates with other stakeholders and its members to set high professional entry standards and to maintain high standards in practice. The NSAA By-Laws as well as the Code of Ethics outline strict guidelines for professional and ethical conduct. As legislation might impact architects or their clients, the Association aids various government bodies. Visit Regulatory and Governance for more information about the role of the Nova Scotia Association of Architects as a self regulator, including our governing documents and Council and Committee organization structure. For more information about the NSAA, visit our Library and Archives. Nova Scotia Architects Act and Regulations, Educational Resources, Publications, and Other Helpful Information, please visit our Resources Section.